Pairing system and method for ear-worn devices

ABSTRACT

A hearing assistance system and method are described herein. The system includes a first ear-worn device, a second ear-worn device, and a case. The system is configured to detect a vibration sequence at an IMU and decide whether to pair wireless communication devices of the first and second ear-worn devices based on the vibration sequence detected at the IMU.

FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to pairing of ear-worn devices, such ashearing aids, for radio frequency communication.

BACKGROUND

Many ear-worn devices, including hearing aids, have the ability to bepaired with another device for wireless communication, such as radiofrequency communication. For example, a first ear-worn device can bepaired with a second ear-worn device as a binaural counterpart. One ormore ear-worn devices can be paired with a smart phone or otheraccessory device. During the pairing process, the devices exchangeidentification and authentication data. Current pairing methods can becumbersome, especially where multiple ear-worn devices are paired with asmart phone or other accessory. Some current pairing methods forear-worn devices rely on the presence of and user interface of a smartphone or computer to accomplish the pairing. These methods leave theuser without any option to re-establish pairing if the ear-worn devicesbecome unpaired while the user is away from a smart phone or computer.In that scenario, the user will be without hearing assistance until theyagain have access to a smart phone or computer.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a hearing assistance system is included having afirst ear-worn device and a second ear-worn device, wherein each of theear-worn devices includes: a speaker, a microphone, a processor, anon-transitory computer memory, a rechargeable battery, a chargingcontact, and a wireless communication device. The hearing assistancesystem also includes a case having a case battery, a case inertialmeasurement unit (IMU), a first case charging contact and a second casecharging contact, a case processor, and a case non-transitory computermemory. The first ear-worn device is configured to be positioned withinthe case so that the charging contact of the first ear-worn device is inelectrical communication with the first case charging contact within thecase. The second ear-worn device is configured to be positioned withinthe case so that the charging contact of the second ear-worn device isin electrical communication with the second case charging contact withinthe case. One or more of the memories in the first ear-worn device,second ear-worn device, or case stores computer instructions forinstructing one or more of the processors in the first ear-worn device,second ear-worn device, or case to perform: detecting a vibrationsequence at the case IMU, and deciding whether to pair the wirelesscommunication devices of the first and second ear-worn devices based onthe vibration sequence detected at the case IMU.

In a second aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the memory ofthe case stores instructions to input the vibration sequence detected atthe case IMU to the processor of the first ear-worn device and to theprocessor of the second ear-worn device. The memory of each of theear-worn devices stores instructions to: compare the vibration sequencedetected at the case IMU to an expected vibration sequence, and if thevibration sequence detected at the case IMU sufficiently matches theexpected vibration sequence, pairing the wireless communication deviceof the first ear-worn device to the wireless communication device of thesecond ear-worn device.

In a third aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the memory ofeach of the ear-worn devices stores instructions to receive thevibration sequence detected at the case IMU via the charging contact.

In a fourth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the memory ofthe case stores instructions to accept a user input vibration sequenceto define the expected vibration sequence and communicate the expectedvibration sequence to the memory of the ear-worn devices.

In a fifth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, one or more ofthe memories in the first ear-worn device, second ear-worn device, orcase stores computer instructions for instructing one or more of theprocessors in the first ear-worn device, second ear-worn device, or caseto perform: pairing the first and second ear-worn devices; after pairingthe first and second ear-worn devices, lighting a positive indicatorlight on the case to indicate to a user that the first and secondear-worn devices are paired; and if the vibration sequence detected atthe case IMU does not sufficiently match the expected vibrationsequence, lighting a negative indicator light on the case to indicate tothe user that the first and second ear-worn devices are not paired.

In a sixth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the memory inthe first ear-worn device and the memory in the second ear-worn devicestore computer instructions to perform: while the ear-worn devices arepositioned in the case, the ear-worn devices detecting an open/closesequence. The open/close sequence includes making an electricalconnection in response to closing the case and unmaking an electricalconnection in response to opening the case. In response to detecting theopen/close sequence, the first and second ear-worn devices enter apairing mode.

In a seventh aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the open/closesequence is detected at the charging contact of the first ear-worndevice and the charging contact of the second ear-worn device.

In an eighth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the open/closesequence includes opening and closing the case three times.

In a ninth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the hearingassistance system can include a smart phone having an IMU, a processor,a non-transitory computer memory, a user input device, a wirelesscommunication device, and a display device. The memory of the smartphone stores computer instructions for instructing the processor in thesmart phone to perform: placing the smart phone into a pairing mode; ata same time as the vibration sequence is detected at the case IMU,detecting the vibration sequence by the smart phone IMU; and based onthe vibration sequence detected by the smart phone IMU, deciding whetherto pair the wireless communication device of the smart phone with thewireless communication devices of the first and second ear-worn devices.

In a tenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the memory ofthe smart phone stores computer instructions for instructing theprocessor in the smart phone to perform: inputting the vibrationsequence detected at the smart phone IMU to the processor of the smartphone; comparing the vibration sequence detected at the smart phone IMUto an expected vibration sequence; and if the vibration sequencedetected at the smart phone IMU sufficiently matches the expectedvibration sequence, pairing the wireless communication device of thesmart phone with the wireless communication devices of the first andsecond ear-worn devices.

In an eleventh aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the memory ofthe smart phone stores computer instructions for instructing theprocessor in the smart phone to perform: if the vibration sequencedetected at the smart phone IMU does not sufficiently match the expectedvibration sequence, presenting a message to a user on a display deviceof the smart phone indicating that the smart phone has not been pairedto the first and second ear-worn devices.

In a twelfth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the vibrationsequence detected at the smart phone IMU is generated while the smartphone is located on a hard surface along with the case.

In a thirteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the case IMUis configured to detect a vibration sequence generated by: placing thecase on a hard surface, wherein the case is in a closed position and thefirst and second ear-worn devices are within the case; and after placingthe case on the hard surface, generating the vibration sequence byknocking on a hard surface with the case laying on the hard surface.

In a fourteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the vibrationsequence is generated by tapping the case on a hard surface, wherein thecase is in a closed position and the first and second ear-worn devicesare within the case.

In a fifteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the caseincludes a volume control configured to receive user input, wherein thesystem is configured to control a volume setting of one or more of thefirst and second ear-worn devices using the volume control.

In a sixteenth aspect, a method of pairing a first ear-worn device and asecond ear-worn device, each of the ear-worn devices includes: aspeaker, a microphone, a processor, a non-transitory computer memory, arechargeable battery, a charging contact, and a wireless communicationdevice, wherein the first ear-worn device is configured to be positionedwithin a case so that the charging contact of the first ear-worn deviceis in electrical communication with a first case charging contact withinthe case. The second ear-worn device is configured to be positionedwithin the case so that the charging contact of the second ear-worndevice is in electrical communication with a second case chargingcontact within the case. The case includes a battery and a case inertialmeasurement unit (IMU). The method includes detecting a vibrationsequence at the case IMU after the first and second ear-worn devicesenter a pairing mode, and deciding whether to pair the wirelesscommunication devices of the first and second ear-worn devices based onthe vibration sequence detected at the case IMU.

In a seventeenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the methodfurther can include: inputting the vibration sequence detected at thecase IMU to the processor of the first ear-worn device and to theprocessor of the second ear-worn device; each of the ear-worn devicescomparing the vibration sequence detected at the case IMU to an expectedvibration sequence; and if the vibration sequence detected at the caseIMU sufficiently matches the expected vibration sequence, pairing thewireless communication device of the first ear-worn device to thewireless communication device of the second ear-worn device.

In an eighteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the method caninclude the memory of each of the ear-worn devices receiving thevibration sequence detected at the case IMU via the charging contact.

In a nineteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the method caninclude the memory of the case receiving a user input vibration sequenceto define the expected vibration sequence and communicating the expectedvibration sequence to the memory of the ear-worn devices.

In a twentieth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the method caninclude: after pairing the wireless communication devices of the firstand second ear-worn devices, lighting a positive indicator light on thecase to indicate to a user that the first and second ear-worn devicesare paired; and if the vibration sequence detected at the case IMU doesnot sufficiently match the expected vibration sequence, lighting anegative indicator light on the case to indicate to the user that thefirst and second ear-worn devices are not paired.

In a twenty-first aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the method caninclude: while the ear-worn devices are positioned in the case, theear-worn devices detecting an open/close sequence can include making anelectrical connection in response to closing the case and unmaking anelectrical connection in response to opening the case; and in responseto detecting the open/close sequence, the first and second ear-worndevices entering the pairing mode.

In a twenty-second aspect, in addition to one or more of the precedingor following aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, theopen/close sequence is detected at the charging contact of the firstear-worn device and the charging contact of the second ear-worn device.

In a twenty-third aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the open/closesequence includes opening and closing the case three times.

In a twenty-fourth aspect, in addition to one or more of the precedingor following aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the methodcan include pairing the first and second ear-worn devices with a smartphone. The method can include: placing the smart phone into a pairingmode; detecting the vibration sequence by a smart phone IMU at a sametime as the vibration sequence is detected at the case IMU; and based onthe vibration sequence detected by the smart phone IMU, a processor ofthe smart phone deciding whether to pair a wireless communication deviceof the smart phone with the wireless communication devices of the firstand second ear-worn devices.

In a twenty-fifth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the method caninclude: inputting the vibration sequence detected at the smart phoneIMU to a processor of the smart phone; comparing the vibration sequencedetected at the smart phone IMU to an expected vibration sequence; andif the vibration sequence detected at the smart phone IMU sufficientlymatches the expected vibration sequence, pairing the wirelesscommunication device of the smart phone to the wireless communicationdevices of the first and second ear-worn devices.

In a twenty-sixth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the method caninclude: if the vibration sequence detected at the case IMU does notsufficiently match the expected vibration sequence, presenting a messageto a user on a display device of the smart phone indicating that thesmart phone has not been paired to the first and second ear-worndevices.

In a twenty-seventh aspect, in addition to one or more of the precedingor following aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the methodcan include placing the smart phone on a hard surface before detectingthe vibration sequence at the smart phone.

In a twenty-eighth aspect, in addition to one or more of the precedingor following aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the methodcan include: before detecting the vibration sequence, placing the caseon a hard surface, wherein the case is in a closed position and thefirst and second ear-worn devices are within the case, and after placingthe case on the hard surface, generating the vibration sequence byknocking on a hard surface with the case laying on the hard surface.

In a twenty-ninth aspect, in addition to one or more of the preceding orfollowing aspects, or in the alternative to some aspects, the method caninclude generating the vibration sequence by tapping the case on a hardsurface, wherein the case is in a closed position and the first andsecond ear-worn devices are within the case.

In a thirtieth aspect, a method of pairing a first ear-worn device and asecond ear-worn device is provided. Each of the ear-worn devicesincludes a speaker, a microphone, a processor, a non-transitory computermemory, a rechargeable battery, a charging contact, an inertialmeasurement unit (IMU), and a wireless communication device. The firstear-worn device is configured to be positioned within a case so that thecharging contact of the first ear-worn device is in electricalcommunication with a first case charging contact within the case, andthe second ear-worn device is configured to be positioned within thecase so that the charging contact of the second ear-worn device is inelectrical communication with a second case charging contact within thecase. The case includes a battery. The method includes detecting a firstdetected vibration sequence at the IMU or microphone of the firstear-worn device, detecting a second detected vibration sequence at theIMU or microphone of the second ear-worn device, comparing the firstdetected vibration sequence to an expected vibration sequence andcomparing the second detected vibration sequence to the expectedvibration sequence, and deciding whether to pair the wirelesscommunication device of the first ear-worn device to the wirelesscommunication device of the second ear-worn device based on thecomparison.

This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the presentapplication and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustivetreatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found inthe detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will beapparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understandingthe following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form apart thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Thescope herein is defined by the appended claims and their legalequivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects may be more completely understood in connection with thefollowing figures (FIGS.), in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a hearing assistance system,including an illustrative ear-worn device case in a closed position,near a location of impact on a hard surface, producing a vibrationsequence.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of another hearing assistance system,including an ear-worn device case in a closed position and a smartphone, near a location of impact on a hard surface.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ear-worn device case of FIGS. 1 and2 in an open position.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the ear-worn device case of FIGS.1 and 2 in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an ear-worn device of the hearingassistance system of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the ear-worn device case of FIGS. 1and 2 in a closed position.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the ear-worn device case of FIGS.1 and 2 in a closed position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the case of FIG. 7 taken along line8-8.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the case of FIG. 7 in anopen position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate ear-worn device case in anopen position.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an ear-worn device charging case.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an ear-worn device.

While embodiments are susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of exampleand drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the scope herein is not limited to the particular aspectsdescribed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scopeherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A simple, user-friendly system and process for pairing two ear-worndevices for wireless communication, or for pairing two ear-worn deviceswith a smart phone, is described herein. The ear-worn devices are placedinto a charging case and a lid of the case is closed. The ear-worndevices then are brought into a pairing mode. One option for bringingthe ear-worn devices into a pairing mode is to have the user execute anopen/close sequence of the lid of the case while the ear-worn devicesdetect the open/close sequence at charging contacts. In one example, theopen/close sequence is performed by opening and closing the lid threetimes. Use of an open/close sequence of the lid of the charging case isoften easy for users to execute, even if a user has limited dexterity.Use of an open/close sequence of the lid of the charging case is alsoeasy for users to remember. Other approaches may be used for causing theear-worn devices to enter a pairing mode.

Once the ear-worn devices have entered the pairing mode, the usercreates a vibration sequence that is detected by an inertial measurementunit (IMU) of the case or detected simultaneously by an IMU ormicrophone of each ear-worn device. For example, the user can generatethe vibration sequence by tapping the case on a table top or other hardsurface. The user can alternatively place the case on a hard surface andknock the hard surface. The vibration sequence can be created by threetaps of the case, three knocks, other numbers of impacts, or varioustemporal patterns of impacts. One example of a temporal pattern ofimpacts is two impacts followed by a pause and then a third impact. Manyother temporal patterns of impacts are possible.

In various embodiments, the case IMU detects the vibration sequence, andthe case communicates the vibration sequence to each ear-worn device.Alternatively, an IMU or microphone of each ear-worn device detects thevibration sequence. Each ear-worn device compares the vibration sequencedetected at the case IMU to an expected vibration sequence. A processorof each ear-worn devices decides whether to pair the wirelesscommunication devices of the first and second ear-worn devices based onthe vibration sequence detected at the case IMU or at the IMUs of theear-worn devices.

In one example, if the vibration sequence detected at the case IMUsufficiently matches the expected vibration sequence, a wirelesscommunication device of the first ear-worn device is paired to awireless communication device of the second ear-worn device.

In various examples, after pairing the first and second ear-worndevices, a positive indicator light on the case is lit to indicate to auser that the first and second ear-worn devices are paired. In variousexamples, if the vibration sequence detected at the case IMU does notsufficiently match the expected vibration sequence, a negative indicatorlight on the case is lit to indicate to the user that the first andsecond ear-worn devices are not paired.

To pair a wireless communication device of a smart phone to the wirelesscommunication devices of two ear-worn devices, similar approaches asmentioned above can be used to place the ear-worn devices into a pairingmode. The user interface of the smart phone may be used to place thesmart phone into a pairing mode. Then, the user creates a vibrationsequence that is detected by an inertial measurement unit (IMU) of thephone and the IMU of the case or the IMU of each ear-worn device. Forexample, the user can place the smart phone on a hard surface andgenerate the vibration sequence by tapping the case on a hard surface.The user can alternatively place the smart phone and the case on a hardsurface and knock the hard surface. The vibration sequence can becreated by three taps of the case, three knocks, or other numbers orpatterns of impacts.

FIG. 1 illustrates the physical environment for establishing pairing ofa wireless communication device of a first ear-worn device and awireless communication device of a second ear-worn device. FIG. 1 showsa hearing assistance system 100, including an ear-worn device case 102in a closed position near a location of impact 104 on a hard surface.The case 102 contains a first ear-worn device 106 and a second ear-worndevice 108. The locations of the first ear-worn device 106 and thesecond ear-worn device 108 within the case 102 are indicated by dashedlines, although the first ear-worn device 106 and second ear-worn device108 are not directly visible with the case 102 in the closed position.

In various embodiments, the case 102 can be on a hard surface. An impactor series of impacts at the location of impact 104 produces a vibrationsequence. In various embodiments, the case IMU is configured to detectthe vibration sequence and communicate the vibration sequence to thefirst and second ear-worn devices. The first ear-worn device 106 can beconfigured to be positioned within the case 102 so that a chargingcontact of the first ear-worn device 106 is in electrical communicationwith a first case charging contact within the case 102. The secondear-worn device 108 can be configured to be positioned within the case102 so that a charging contact of the second ear-worn device 108 is inelectrical communication with a second case charging contact within thecase 102. The communication of the vibration sequence from the case tothe first and second ear-worn device can be accomplished usingelectrical communication at the charging contacts.

In various embodiments, the case may not have an IMU. In variousembodiments, IMUs of the first and second ear-worn devices areconfigured to detect the vibration sequence.

FIG. 2 illustrates the physical environment for establishing pairing ofa wireless communication device of a smart phone, wireless communicationdevice of a first ear-worn device, and a wireless communication deviceof a second ear-worn device. A front perspective view of this hearingassistance system 100 is shown in FIG. 2, including an ear-worn devicecase 102 in a closed position and a smart phone 202 near a location ofimpact 104 on a hard surface. Within the case 102, the hearingassistance system 100 also includes a first ear-worn device 106 and asecond ear-worn device 108.

Vibration Sequence

Further details about the vibration sequence will now be provided.However, it will be appreciated that this is merely provided by way ofexample and that further variations are contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, the case IMU detects the vibration sequence. Thememory of the case stores instructions to input the vibration sequencedetected at the case IMU to a processor of first ear-worn device and toa processor of the second ear-worn device. In various embodiments, theinput occurs using electrical signals passing from the charging contactsof the case to the charging contacts of the first ear-worn device andsecond ear-worn device.

Alternatively, an IMU or microphone of each ear-worn device detects thevibration sequence. In these embodiments, the memory of each ear-worndevice stores instructions to detect and receive the vibration sequencefrom an IMU or from a microphone of each ear-worn device.

Once the vibration sequence has been received by each ear-worn device,the processor compares the vibration sequence detected at the case IMUto an expected vibration sequence. A processor of each ear-worn devicesdecides whether to pair the wireless communication devices of the firstand second ear-worn devices based on the vibration sequence detected atthe case IMU or at the IMUs or microphones of the ear-worn devices.

In one example, if the vibration sequence detected at the case IMUsufficiently matches the expected vibration sequence, a wirelesscommunication device of the first ear-worn device is paired to awireless communication device of the second ear-worn device.

In various embodiments, a memory of the case stores instructions toaccept a user input vibration sequence to define the expected vibrationsequence and communicate the expected vibration sequence to the memoryof the ear-worn devices. In one example, the user enters a settings modeso that the case is ready to receive the definition of the expectedvibration sequence from the user.

To determine whether or not there is a sufficient a match betweendetected vibration sequence and an expected vibration sequence, theprocessor of each of the ear-worn devices compares a vibration over timeprofile of the detected vibration sequence and the expected vibrationsequence using any one of a number of different matching algorithms. Insome embodiments, a matching algorithm will output a match coefficientreflecting the closeness of the match. In various embodiments, thedevices are paired if the matching coefficient is within a thresholdvalue of a matching coefficient indicating a perfect match.

In various embodiments of a hearing assistance system including acharging case, a first and second ear-worn device, and a smart phone.The memory of the smart phone stores computer instructions forinstructing the processor in the smart phone to perform steps includinginputting the vibration sequence detected at the smart phone IMU to theprocessor of the smart phone. The smart phone is further configured toperform comparing the vibration sequence detected at the smart phone IMUto an expected vibration sequence. If the vibration sequence detected atthe smart phone IMU sufficiently matches the expected vibrationsequence, the smart phone is configured to perform pairing the wirelesscommunication device of the smart phone with the wireless communicationdevices of the first and second ear-worn devices.

If the vibration sequence detected at the smart phone IMU does notsufficiently match the expected vibration sequence, in variousembodiments, the smart phone is configured to present a message to auser on a display device of the smart phone indicating that the smartphone has not been paired to the first and second ear-worn devices

In various embodiments, the vibration sequence is detected when thecomponents of a hearing assistance system are located on a hard surface.For example, the case containing the first and second ear-worn deviceare positioned on a hard surface during the vibration sequence. Inanother example, the case containing the first and second ear-worndevice and a smart phone are positioned on a hard surface during thevibration sequence.

In various embodiments, the case IMU is configured to detect a vibrationsequence generated by: placing the case on a hard surface, wherein thecase is in a closed position and the first and second ear-worn devicesare within the case, and after placing the case on the hard surface,generating the vibration sequence by knocking on a hard surface with thecase laying on the hard surface

In various embodiments, the vibration sequence is generated by tappingthe case on a hard surface, wherein the case is in a closed position andthe first and second ear-worn devices are within the case. The user canalternatively place the case on a hard surface and knock the hardsurface. The vibration sequence can be created by two taps, two knocks,three taps, three knocks, four taps, four knocks, or other numbers orpatterns of impacts.

Charging Case Structure and Function

An example of a charging case for use with the system and methoddescribed herein will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3-4,showing the charging case in an open position, FIGS. 6-7 showing thecharging case in a closed position, and FIG. 12 showing a schematicdrawing of the charging case. Embodiments of the charging case aredirected to storing, protecting, and charging ear-worn devices containedwithin the case. In various embodiments, the case may be configured tomove between an open position and a closed position. The case may besized to be easily held in a human hand, easily held in a typical pocketof clothing, and easily transported. As a result of the ease oftransportation, a user is more likely to bring the case along with theuser when away from home or even within the home. A safe place forstoring the ear-worn devices and the ability to charge the hearing aidsis therefore more likely to be close at hand to the user. In variousembodiments, the case may be opened and closed with a single human hand.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ear-worn device case of FIGS. 1 and2 in an open position. FIG. 4 is a perspective view from a differentangle of the ear-worn device case of FIGS. 1 and 2, also in an openposition. In various embodiments, the case 102 includes a first bodyportion 320 and a second body portion 340 that can move with respect toeach other. In various embodiments, the first body portion 320 and thesecond body portion 340 are joined at one or more hinges 360. The firstbody portion 320 is configured to receive a first ear-worn device 106and the second body portion 340 is configured to receive a secondear-worn device 108.

The case defines a first cavity 325 for receiving a first ear-worndevice 106 and a second cavity 345 for receiving a second ear-worndevice 108. The first cavity 325 includes first case charging contacts326 and the second cavity 345 includes second case charging contacts446, which are visible only in FIG. 4. By positioning one ear-worndevice in one body portion and another ear-worn device in another bodyportion, the contents of the case can be balanced, the size of the casecan be made compact and easy to handle, and the placement of theear-worn device can be intuitive for the user.

Other contents of the case can also be balanced. The case may furtherinclude a case battery 302 and case electronics 304 in order to chargethe first and second ear-worn devices when they are within the cavities,among other optional functions. The locations of the case battery 302and the case electronics 304 are balanced within the case 102 in variousembodiments. For example, the electronics 304 can be contained in thefirst body portion 320 while the case battery 302 is contained withinthe second body portion 340.

In various examples, the case may be configured or adapted such that theear-worn devices contained within the case are charging when the case isin a closed position, and, for example, not charging when the case is inthe open position. Specifically, the case may include one or morecontact points that interact with one another when the case is in theclosed position to charge the ear-worn devices. As such, a user knowsthat the ear-worn devices contained within the case are charging whenthe case is in a closed position. In one or more embodiments, the casemay also be configured or adapted such that the ear-worn devicescontained within the case may charge when the case is in the openposition

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 6-, the case 102includes one or more hinges 360 operably coupled between the first bodyportion 320 and the second body portion 340. A first portion of the oneor more hinges 360 may be coupled to the first body portion 320 and asecond portion of the one or more hinges 360 may be coupled to thesecond body portion 340 with a hinge pin 750 (FIG. 7) extendingtherethrough. As such, the first body portion 320 and the second bodyportion 340 may rotate about the hinge pin 750 to move relative to oneanother. In one or more embodiments, the one or more hinges 360 mayinclude a biasing element such that the case 102 is biased into the openposition and/or closed position. A latching element can also be providedto maintain the case in a closed position once it is closed.

The case 102 may also include a battery 302 and electronics 304 forcharging the ear-worn devices when contained within the case 102. Forexample, the battery 302 may be disposed in one of the first and secondbody portions 320, 340 and the electronics 304 may be disposed in theother of the first and second body portions 320, 340. It is noted thatwhile the battery 302 and electronics 304 are described as locatedwithin separate body portions, in some embodiments, the battery 302 andthe electronics 304 may be located in the same body portion (e.g., thefirst body portion 320 or the second body portion 340). As shown inFIGS. 3-4, the battery 302 is positioned within the second body portion340 and the electronics 304 are positioned within the first body portion320.

Each of the battery 302 and the electronics 304 are illustrated usingbroken lines to depict that the battery 302 and the electronics 304 thatare contained within the second body portion 340 and the first bodyportion 320, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the case 302 mayinclude a heat absorbing material, such as foam, proximate one or bothof the battery 302 and the electronics 304. For example, the heatabsorbing material may be positioned proximate one side of the battery302, the electronics 304, or both to assist in increasing the effectiveheat path from the battery 302 and/or the electronics 304 towards theouter case surface.

The electronics 304 may be implemented, at least in part, in hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, variousaspects of the techniques may be implemented within one or moreprocessors, including one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers,DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logiccircuitry, as well as any combinations of such components, or otherdevices. The term “processor” or “processing circuitry” may generallyrefer to any of the foregoing logic circuitry, alone or in combinationwith other logic circuitry, or any other equivalent circuitry. Suchhardware, software, and/or firmware may be implemented within the samesystem or within separate systems to support the various operations andfunctions described in this disclosure. In addition, any of thedescribed components may be implemented together or separately asdiscrete but interoperable logic devices.

When implemented in software, the functionality ascribed to the systems,devices and methods described in this disclosure may be embodied asinstructions and/or logic on a computer-readable medium such as RAM,ROM, NVRAM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, magnetic data storage media, opticaldata storage media, or the like. The instructions and/or logic may beexecuted by one or more processors to support one or more aspects of thefunctionality described in this disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a charging case. Invarious embodiments, the case 102 includes a case battery 302, a caseprocessor 1212, a case sensor package 1214, a case inertial measurementunit (IMU) 1216, a case control circuit 1222, and a case non-transitorycomputer memory 1224, which are all connected to a circuit board 1218.The case 102 also includes a case housing 1200. The case 102 alsoincludes a power supply circuit 1204 connected to a first case chargingcontact 326, a second case charging contact 446, and the case battery302. The case 102 also includes one or more indicator lights 480, aninterface port 408, and user switches 1210.

In various embodiments, the user switches 1210 include a volume controlconfigured to receive user input, where the case is configured tocontrol a volume setting of one or more of the first and second ear-worndevices using the volume control.

Indicator Lights (FIGS. 4, 6, and 12)

In various embodiments, the case 102 may include indicator lights 480 toprovide a visual indicator regarding the status of components within thecase 102. For example, the indicator lights 480 may communicate thepower level/status of the ear-worn devices or the battery 302 containedwithin the case 102. The indicator lights 480 can be seen in thedrawings in the perspective view of an open case in FIG. 4, theperspective view of a closed case in FIG. 6, and the schematic view ofFIG. 12.

In various embodiments, if a vibration sequence detected at the case IMUsufficiently matches the expected vibration sequence, a positiveindicator light on the case 102, such as a green indicator light, is litafter pairing the wireless communication devices of the first and secondear-worn devices, to indicate to a user that the first and secondear-worn devices are paired. In various embodiments, if a vibrationsequence detected at the case IMU does not sufficiently match theexpected vibration sequence, a negative indicator light on the case,such as a red, orange or flashing indicator light, is lit, to indicateto the user that the first and second ear-worn devices are not paired.

The indicator lights 480 may be located anywhere on the case 102, suchas the first body portion 320, the second body portion 340, top sides332, 352, hinge sides 334, 354, bottom sides 336, 356, or latch sides338, 358. As shown in the example of FIGS. 4 and 6, the indicator lights480 are located on the latch side 338, for example, opposite the hingeside 334, of the first body portion 320.

Further, the indicator lights 480 may be aligned to correspond with thecomponent for which the indicator light 480 tracks the status. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4, the indicator lights 480 closer to the topside 332 may correspond to the ear-worn device in the second bodyportion 340, which is closer to the top side 332. The indicator lights480 closer to the bottom side 336 may correspond to the ear-worn devicein the first body portion 320, which is closer to the bottom side 336.In one or more embodiments, the case 102 may include indicator lights onthe hinge side 334, 354 of the first or second body portion 320, 340 toindicate the state of charge of the battery 302.

Interface Port (FIGS. 4, 6-7, and 12)

The case 102 may also include an interface port 408, as can be seen inthe drawings in the perspective view of an open case in FIG. 4, theperspective views of a closed case in FIGS. 6-7, and the schematic viewof FIG. 12. The interface port 408 may be adapted to receive a connector(e.g., cable) to provide electronic communication with the battery 302and the electronics 304. For example, a charging cable may be receivedby the interface port 408 to charge the battery 302 located within thecase 102. In one or more embodiments, a connector may be inserted intothe interface port 408 to draw power from the battery 302 within thecase 102. The case 102 may include any number of interface ports 408.The interface ports 408 may be positioned at any suitable location onthe case 102. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6-7, the interfaceport 408 is located on the top side 332 of the first body portion 320(e.g., the same side as the electronics 304). Positioning the interfaceport 408 on the first body portion 320 with the electronics 304 allowsthe interface port 408 to directly communicate with the electronics 304.In other embodiments, the interface port 408 may be located on the samebody portion as the battery 302 (e.g., if the interface port 408 isconfigured to draw power from the battery 302). In one or moreembodiments, the case 102 may include a rib or stop to prevent theinterface port 408 from being rotated or torqued off the PCB solder padmounts by a force applied to the interface port 408 through, forexample, a cable attached thereto.

Hinge Structure and Case Open/Close Sequence (FIGS. 8-10)

The details of various examples of a hinge structure and of using anopen/close sequence of the case to put the ear-worn devices into apairing mode will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8-10. FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of the case of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8,showing the case in a closed position, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged view ofthe cross-sectional view of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an enlargedcross-sectional view of the case of FIG. 7 in an open position.

In various embodiments, electronics of the first ear-worn device and thesecond ear-worn device can detect when the case is opened or closed. Invarious embodiments, an open/close sequence of the case is used to placethe first ear-worn device 106 and the second ear-worn device 108 in apairing mode. In various embodiments, while the ear-worn devices arepositioned in the case, the ear-worn devices detecting an open/closesequence of the case. An open/close sequence of the case includes makingan electrical connection in response to closing the case and unmaking anelectrical connection in response to opening the case. The firstear-worn device and second ear-worn device are programmed to enter apairing mode in response to detecting the open/close sequence. Invarious embodiments, the open/close sequence is detected at the chargingcontact 326 of the first ear-worn device 106 and the charging contact446 of the second ear-worn device 108. In various embodiments, theopen/close sequence that initiates a pairing mode includes opening andclosing the case two times, three times, four times, or other numbers oftimes.

The one or more hinges 360 may be adapted or configured to connect thebattery 302 and the electronics 304 depending on whether the case 102 isin the closed position or the open position. For example, the one ormore hinges 360 may operably connect the battery 302 and the electronics304 when the case 102 is in the closed position. Further, the one ormore hinges 360 may isolate the battery 302 from the electronics 304when the case 102 is in the open position. As a result, when the case102 is in the closed position, and when the ear-worn devices arepositioned within the first and second cavities 325, 345, the battery302 is operably coupled to the electronics 304 such that power isdelivered to the ear-worn devices for charging. The connection to thebattery 302 can be detected at the charging contacts of the firstear-worn device 106 and the second ear-worn device 108. As a result, theprocessor of the first ear-worn device 106 and the second ear-worndevice 108 can detect when the case 102 is open and when the case 102 isclosed. Further, in various embodiments, the memory in the firstear-worn device 106 and the memory in the second ear-worn device 108stores computer instructions to detect the opening or closing of thecase 102. In various embodiments, the memory in the first ear-worndevice 106 and the memory in the second ear-worn device 108 storescomputer instructions to detect an open/close sequence of the case 102.

As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the one or more hinges 360 may include one ormore contact points so that power is only supplied to the ear-worndevices when the case 102 is in the closed position (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 8-9). For example, the one or more contact points may include afirst contact point 962 that moves along with the first body portion 320(e.g., attached to the portion of the hinge fixed to the first bodyportion 320) and a second contact point 964 that moves along with thesecond body portion 340 (e.g., attached to the portion of the hingefixed to the second body portion 340). When the case 102 is in theclosed position (FIG. 9), the one or more contact points are aligned tooperably couple the battery 302 and the electronics 304, and providepower to the charging contacts 326, 446. Specifically, the first contactpoint 962 is aligned with the second contact point 964 when the case 102is in the closed position. When the case 102 is in the open position(FIG. 10), the one or more contact points break alignment to, e.g.,prevent power from reaching the charging contacts 326, 446.Specifically, the first contact point 962 is not aligned with the secondcontact point 964 when the case 102 is in the open position. The one ormore contact points may be positioned within the one or more hinges 360to shield the one or more contact points from user and environmentalinteraction.

In various embodiments, the one or more hinges 360 may define openingsto route wire (e.g., insulated wire) between the first and second bodyportions 320, 340. For example, the one or more hinges may define afirst opening proximate the first body portion 320 and a second openingproximate the second body portion 340. The wire carrying electricalcurrent, signals, or both passing through the openings between the firstand second body portions 320, 340 into an internal space of each of thefirst and second body portions 320, 340 may connect various electricalcomponents, such as batteries, circuit boards, etc. The openings mayprovide a suitable strain relief to the wire by allowing the wire tofreely move without restriction, such that the wire may be preventedfrom impingement. Therefore, the electrical connection between the firstand second body portions 320, 340 may be unaffected by whether the case102 is in the open position or the closed position.

The first and second body portions 320, 340 can be formed of manydifferent materials, including a polymer, a metal, a glass, a ceramic ora composite. In various embodiments, the polymer can include or be athermoplastic, a thermoset or a synthetic. The charging contacts of thecase and ear-worn devices can be formed of many different materials. Insome embodiments, the charging contacts can include a metal. In variousembodiments, the metal can include or be an elemental metal or a metalalloy.

Ear-Worn Device (FIG. 5 and FIG. 13)

A first ear-worn device and a second ear-worn device are included in thesystem described herein. Each ear-worn device is configured to bepositioned within the case so that a charging contact of the ear-worndevice is in electrical communication with a case charging contactwithin the case. An example of an ear-worn device will now be describedwith reference to FIG. 5, a perspective view, and FIG. 13, a schematicview.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of an exemplary ear-worndevice 106 is shown in accordance with various embodiments herein. Theear-worn device 106 can include an ear-worn device housing 502. Thehousing 502 is configured to be positioned within the case so that acharging contact of the ear-worn device 106 is in electricalcommunication with a case charging contact within the case. The ear-worndevice housing 502 can define a battery compartment 510 into which abattery can be disposed to provide power to the device. In variousembodiments, the battery is a rechargeable battery.

The ear-worn device 106 can also include a receiver 506 adjacent to anearbud 508. The receiver 506 an include a component that convertselectrical impulses into sound, such as an electroacoustic transducer,speaker, or loud speaker. A cable 504 or connecting wire can include oneor more electrical conductors and provide electrical communicationbetween components inside of the ear-worn device housing 502 andcomponents inside of the receiver 506.

The ear-worn device 106 shown in FIG. 5 is a receiver-in-canal typedevice and thus the receiver is designed to be placed within the earcanal. However, it will be appreciated that may different form factorsfor ear-worn devices, including hearing assistance devices, arecontemplated herein. As such, ear-worn devices or hearing assistancedevices herein can include, but are not limited to, behind-the-ear(BTE), in-the ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), invisible-in-canal (IIC),receiver-in-canal (RIC), receiver in-the-ear (RITE) andcompletely-in-the-canal (CIC) type devices.

Ear-worn devices of the present disclosure can incorporate an antennaarrangement coupled to a high-frequency radio, such as a 2.4 GHz radio.The radio can conform to an IEEE 802.11 (e.g., WiFi® standard) orBluetooth® standard (e.g., BLE, Bluetooth® 4. 2 or 5.0) specification,for example. It is understood that ear-worn devices of the presentdisclosure can employ other radios, such as a 900 MHz radio. Ear-worndevices of the present disclosure can be configured to receive streamingaudio (e.g., digital audio data or files) from an electronic or digitalsource. Representative electronic/digital sources (also referred toherein as accessory devices) include an assistive listening system, a TVstreamer, a radio, a smart phone, a cell phone/entertainment device(CPED) or other electronic device that serves as a source of digitalaudio data or files.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a schematic block diagram is shown withvarious components of an ear-worn device in accordance with variousembodiments. The block diagram of FIG. 13 represents a generic ear-worndevice for purposes of illustration. The ear-worn device 106 shown inFIG. 13 includes several components electrically connected to a flexiblemother circuit 1318 (e.g., flexible mother board) which is disposedwithin housing 502. A power supply circuit 1304 can include a battery1305, can be electrically connected to the flexible mother circuit 1318,and provides power to the various components of the ear-worn device 106.One or more charging contacts 1306 are connected to the battery 1305 andare configured to interface with the charging contacts of the chargingcase.

One or more microphones 1307 are electrically connected to the flexiblemother circuit 1318, which provides electrical communication between themicrophones 1307 and a digital signal processor (DSP) 1312. Among othercomponents, the DSP 1312 incorporates or is coupled to audio signalprocessing circuitry configured to implement various functions describedherein. One or more user switches 512 (e.g., on/off, volume, micdirectional settings) are electrically coupled to the DSP 312 via theflexible mother circuit 318.

A sensor package 1314 can be coupled to the DSP 1312 via the flexiblemother circuit 1318. The sensor package 1314 can include one or moredifferent specific types of sensors. The ear-worn device includes anear-worn device IMU 1315. The IMU 1315 is configured to detect avibration sequence as a part of a pairing method for the wirelesscommunication device 1308, among other useful data that can beascertained from IMU 1315.

As used herein the term “inertial measurement unit” or “IMU” shall referto an electronic device that can generate signals related to a body'sspecific force and/or angular rate. IMUs herein can include one or moreaccelerometers (3, 6, or 9 axis) to detect linear acceleration, agyroscope to detect rotational rate, or both. In some embodiments, inthe alternative or in addition, an IMU includes a magnetometer to detecta magnetic field.

An audio output device 1316 is electrically connected to the DSP 1312via the flexible mother circuit 1318. In some embodiments, the audiooutput device 1316 comprises a speaker (coupled to an amplifier). Inother embodiments, the audio output device 1316 comprises an amplifiercoupled to an external receiver 506 adapted for positioning within anear of a wearer. The external receiver 506 can include anelectroacoustic transducer, speaker, or loud speaker.

The ear-worn device 106 may incorporate a wireless communication device1308 coupled to the flexible mother circuit 1318 and to an antenna 1302directly or indirectly via the flexible mother circuit 1318. Thecommunication device 1308 can be a Bluetooth® transceiver, such as a BLE(Bluetooth® low energy) transceiver or another transceiver (e.g., anIEEE 802.11 compliant device). The communication device 1308 can beconfigured to communicate with one or more external devices, such as awireless communication device of a charging case, a wirelesscommunication device of another ear-worn device, a wirelesscommunication device of a smart phone, or a wireless communicationdevice of another system, such as other systems discussed herein, inaccordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, thecommunication device 1308 can be configured to communicate with anexternal visual display device such as a smart phone, a video displayscreen, a tablet, a computer, or the like.

In various embodiments, the ear-worn device 106 can also include acontrol circuit 1322 and a memory storage device 1324. The controlcircuit 1322 can be in electrical communication with other components ofthe device. The control circuit 1322 can execute various operations,such as those described herein. The control circuit 1322 can includevarious components including, but not limited to, a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) processingdevice, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), or the like.The memory storage device 1324 can include both volatile andnon-volatile memory. The memory storage device 1324 can include ROM,RAM, flash memory, EEPROM, SSD devices, NAND chips, and the like. Thememory storage device 1324 can be used to store data from sensors asdescribed herein and/or processed data generated using data from sensorsas described herein, including, but not limited to, informationregarding exercise regimens, performance of the same, visual feedbackregarding exercises, and the like.

It is noted that the structure and housing of the second ear-worn deviceis not illustrated herein but may be similar to or identical to thefirst ear-worn device.

Alternate Charging Case (FIG. 11)

Many different configurations of charging cases can be used with thesystems and methods described herein. Referring now to FIG. 11, aperspective view of an alternate ear-worn device charging case 102 isshown in an open position, which can be part of a hearing assistancesystem including first and second ear-worn devices (not shown in thisview). The case 102 includes a first body portion 320. The case 102 alsoincludes a second body portion 340, formed as a lid that rotates awayfrom the first body portion 320 about a hinge. The first body portion320 define a first well 1106 and a second well 1108. An ear-worn devicehousing, for example, an ear-worn device housing 502 shown in FIG. 5,can fit within each well 1106, 1108.

As in other charging case examples described herein, the case includestwo case charging contacts, one for each ear-worn device. In variousembodiments, charging contacts are positioned in each well 1106, 1108.The first ear-worn device is configured to be positioned within the caseso that the charging contact of the first ear-worn device is inelectrical communication with the first case charging contact within thecase. The second ear-worn device is configured to be positioned withinthe case so that the charging contact of the second ear-worn device isin electrical communication with the second case charging contact withinthe case.

The first body portion 320 of the case 102 also defines a receivercavity 1110 for holding each of the receivers that are attached by acable to each device housing that is situated in each well. The case 102also includes indicator lights 480. The case 102 may further include auser input device and other charging case features described herein.

Methods for Pairing Two Ear-Worn Devices

In an embodiment, a method of pairing a first ear-worn device and asecond ear-worn device having a charging case is described herein. Themethod includes detecting a vibration sequence at a case IMU after thefirst and second ear-worn devices enter a pairing mode. The methodfurther includes deciding whether to pair the wireless communicationdevices of the first and second ear-worn devices based on the vibrationsequence detected at the case IMU.

In an embodiment, the method can further include inputting the vibrationsequence detected at the case IMU to the processor of the first ear-worndevice and to the processor of the second ear-worn device. Then, each ofthe ear-worn devices compares the vibration sequence detected at thecase IMU to an expected vibration sequence. If the vibration sequencedetected at the case IMU sufficiently matches the expected vibrationsequence, then the wireless communication device of the first ear-worndevice is paired to the wireless communication device of the secondear-worn device.

One way for the memory of each of the ear-worn devices to receive thevibration sequence detected at the case IMU is via electrical signalsreceived at the charging contact. In one embodiment, the processor ofthe case IMU causes voltage variations at the case charging contactswhich are detected by the ear-worn devices via the charging contacts ofthe ear-worn devices. The voltage variations are used to communicate thevibration sequence to the first and second ear-worn devices.

In an embodiment, the method can further include the memory of the casereceiving a user input vibration sequence to define the expectedvibration sequence and communicating the expected vibration sequence tothe memory of the ear-worn devices. Before receiving the user inputvibration sequence, the user causes the case to enter a settings mode sothat the case will be ready to record the definition of the expectedvibration sequence. Many different impact patterns could be used torecord the expected vibration sequence. For example, three knocks, threetaps of the charging case, or other impact patterns could be defined asthe expected vibration sequence.

An indication to the user can be provided upon completion of the pairingprocess. In one embodiment, the method can include lighting a positiveindicator light on the case to indicate to a user that the first andsecond ear-worn devices are paired, after pairing the wirelesscommunication devices of the first and second ear-worn devices. Examplesof a positive indicator light include a specific color or light pattern.For example, a green light or a light that is continuously lit for aperiod of time may be a positive indicator light.

It is also helpful to provide a negative indication to the user if thepairing process is attempted but is not successful. If the vibrationsequence detected at the case IMU does not sufficiently match theexpected vibration sequence, the method can include lighting a negativeindicator light on the case to indicate to the user that the first andsecond ear-worn devices are not paired. Examples of a negative indicatorlight include a specific color or light pattern. For example, a red ororange light or a light that is flashing or rapidly flashing may be anegative indicator light.

Many different options are available for causing the ear-worn devices toenter a pairing mode. For example, while the ear-worn devices arepositioned in the case, the ear-worn devices can detect an open/closesequence that includes making an electrical connection in response toclosing the case and unmaking an electrical connection in response toopening the case. In response to detecting the open/close sequence, thefirst and second ear-worn devices can be programmed to enter the pairingmode. When it is described that the ear-worn devices are entering apairing mode, it may mean that the wireless communication device of eachear-worn device is entering a pairing mode.

In an embodiment of the method, the open/close sequence is detected atthe charging contact of the first ear-worn device and the chargingcontact of the second ear-worn device. In an embodiment of the method,the open/close sequence comprises opening and closing the case threetimes.

Another option for causing the ear-worn devices to enter a pairing modeis to activate a user input device on the ear-worn devices and have thememory of the devices programmed with instructions so that a specificuser input causes entry of the pairing mode. For example, the ear-worndevices can have a push button. One option is that a push sequence canbe executed on a first ear-worn device, and then the same push sequencecan be executed on the second ear-worn device, and for that pushsequence to cause the ear-worn devices to enter a pairing mode.

Another option for causing the ear-worn devices to enter a pairing modeinvolves the use of a proximity sensor in the case. In theseembodiments, the case can also include a proximity sensor and thedevices can include a proximity sensor trigger. The case can detect ifthe ear-worn devices are nearby. If the case detects that the ear-worndevices are nearby, the case can ask the ear-worn devices if they arealready paired. If the ear-worn devices are not already paired to eachother, the case can instruct the ear-worn devices to enter a pairingmode. This approach to entering the pairing mode is most likely to beutilized when the case includes an IMU.

In various embodiments, the user places the case on a hard surface,where the case is in a closed position and the first and second ear-worndevices are within the case, and after placing the case on the hardsurface. Then, the user generates the vibration sequence by knocking ona hard surface with the case laying on the same hard surface.Alternatively, in an embodiment, the method can include generating thevibration sequence by tapping the case on a hard surface, wherein thecase is in a closed position and the first and second ear-worn devicesare within the case.

Methods for Pairing Two Ear-Worn Devices and a Smart Phone

In various embodiments, a method of pairing a first ear-worn device anda second ear-worn device having a charging case and a smart phone isdescribed herein. The method can include placing the smart phone into apairing mode. This may be done using a user interface of the smartphone. The method can further include placing the ear-worn devices intoa pairing mode. The method can include detecting a vibration sequence bya smart phone IMU at a same time as the vibration sequence is detectedat the case IMU. Based on the vibration sequence detected by the smartphone IMU, a processor of the smart phone decides whether to pair awireless communication device of the smart phone with the wirelesscommunication devices of the first and second ear-worn devices.

In an embodiment, the method can further include: inputting thevibration sequence detected at the smart phone IMU to a processor of thesmart phone, comparing the vibration sequence detected at the smartphone IMU to an expected vibration sequence, and if the vibrationsequence detected at the smart phone IMU sufficiently matches theexpected vibration sequence, pairing the wireless communication deviceof the smart phone to the wireless communication devices of the firstand second ear-worn devices.

In an embodiment, the method can further include: if the vibrationsequence detected at the case IMU does not sufficiently match theexpected vibration sequence, presenting a message to a user on a displaydevice of the smart phone indicating that the smart phone has not beenpaired to the first and second ear-worn devices.

In an embodiment, the method can further include placing the smart phoneon a hard surface before detecting the vibration sequence at the smartphone.

Alternate Methods for Pairing Using an IMU or Microphone of Two Ear-WornDevices

In an embodiment, a method of pairing a first ear-worn device and asecond ear-worn device uses the ear-worn device to detect a vibrationsequence rather than the case to detect the vibration sequence. Thefirst ear-worn device detects a first detected vibration sequence at anIMU or microphone of the first ear-worn device. The second ear-worndevice simultaneously detects a second detected vibration sequence at anIMU or microphone of the second ear-worn device. Then, the firstear-worn device compares the first detected vibration sequence to anexpected vibration sequence and the second ear-worn device compares thesecond detected vibration sequence to the expected vibration sequence.The ear-worn devices then decide whether to pair the wirelesscommunication device of the first ear-worn device to the wirelesscommunication device of the second ear-worn device based on thecomparison.

Many different methods are contemplated herein, including, but notlimited to, methods of making, methods of using, and the like. Aspectsof system/device operation described elsewhere herein can be performedas operations of one or more methods in accordance with variousembodiments herein.

Charging Case Structure Detail and Options

Further options for the structure and function of the charging case 102will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3-4, showing the chargingcase in an open position, and FIGS. 6-7 showing the charging case in aclosed position. As shown by comparing the open configuration of FIGS.3-4 with the closed configuration of FIG. 5-6, the first body portion320 and second body portion 340 may move relative to one another, suchas by rotating about the hinge pin 750 (FIG. 7). Each of the first bodyportion 320 and second body portion 340 may include an inner surface322, 342. The inner surfaces 322, 342 may define a generally planarshape. The inner surfaces 322, 342 of the first and second body portions320, 340, respectively, may face each other and, in various embodiments,may abut one another, when the case 102 is in the closed position.Additionally, the inner surfaces 322, 342 may be parallel with oneanother when the case 102 is in the closed position. In one or moreembodiments, the case 102 may include one or more mirrors positioned onone or both of the inner surfaces 322, 342 such that the one or moremirrors are usable when the case 102 is in the open position. In variousexamples, the user may use the one or more mirrors to assist in donningthe ear-worn devices. The inner surface 322 of the first body portion320 may define a first cavity 325 extending into the first body portion320 to receive a first ear-worn device. The inner surface 342 of thesecond body portion 340 may define a second cavity 345 extending intothe second body portion 340 to receive a second ear-worn device.

When the case 102 is in the open position, ear-worn devices may beplaced in or removed from each of the first and second body portions320, 340, such as within the first and second cavities 325, 345,respectively. The ear-worn devices may include any type of ear-worndevice as known by one of skill in the art. Further, the first andsecond cavities 325, 345 may be any suitable size and/or shape toreceive any type of ear-worn device. In one or more embodiments, thecase 102 may include an adapter to modify the cavities 325, 345 toreceive a different sized ear-worn device. By positioning the ear-worndevices within the cavities 325, 345, the ear-worn devices may beprotected from being damaged due to, for example, bending of a cable,twisting of a cable, other cable failure, damage to an ear-worn devicecase, or other damage.

When the ear-worn device is received by the corresponding cavity 325,345, the ear-worn device is contained within the corresponding bodyportion 320, 340 such that the ear-worn device does not protrude beyondthe inner surfaces 322, 342 of the first and second body portions 320,340. Further, the cavities 325, 345 may be offset from one another suchthat when the case 102 is in the closed position, the cavities 325, 345(and the ear-worn devices contained therein) minimally overlap oneanother or “nest” relative to one another. In one or more embodiments,the ear-worn devices may be removed from the cavities 325, 345 bypushing on an end portion of the ear-worn device, such as an end portionof the ear piece, such that the other end of the ear-worn device tips orpops up from the corresponding cavity 325, 345 such that the user cantake out the ear-worn device.

In one or more embodiments, the first body portion 320 may include acharging contact 326 located within the first cavity 325 and the secondbody portion 340 may include a charging contact 446 located within thesecond cavity 345. The first and second charging contacts 326, 446 maybe configured to interact with the ear-worn device positioned within thecavity 325, 345 to charge the ear-worn device. The charging contacts326, 446 may include a biasing element, such as a spring, that aids inretaining the ear-worn device within the cavity 325, 345, such as byapplying a force to the ear-worn devices to push them against thecavities 325, 345. Further, the shape of the cavities 325, 345 mayautomatically position the ear-worn device correctly within the cavities325, 345 such that the ear-worn device is aligned with the chargingcontacts 326, 446. As a result, if the case 102 is moved to the closedposition, the ear-worn devices will be correctly positioned to charge.Also, in various embodiments, no additional latches may be needed toretain the ear-worn devices within the cavities 325, 345.

In various embodiments, the biasing elements of the charging contacts326, 446 may include magnets to align the charging contacts 326, 446 tothe ear-worn device. For example, the magnets of the biasing elementsmay create a tactile sensation such that the ear-worn device snaps intoplace and contacts the charging contacts 326, 446. In some examples, thecontact with the charging contacts 326, 446 happens without additionalmanipulation of the device by the user. Specifically, the correspondingmagnets of the ear-worn device may be added in a planar fashion (e.g.,instead of linear) as it relates to the axis of the magnet. Therefore,the sensation resulting from connecting the ear-worn device within thecavity (e.g., connecting the charging contacts 326, 446 to the ear-worndevice) may provide a feeling of the ear-worn device jumping into place.

In one or more embodiments, one or both of the first and second bodyportions 320, 340 may include a retaining ledge (not shown) within thecorresponding cavity 325, 345 to assist in retaining or keeping theear-worn device within the cavity. The retaining ledge may provide anextension of the inner surface 322 such that the cavity 325 extendsbeneath the retaining ledge. Further, when the ear-worn device ispositioned in the cavity 325, a user input device 512 (FIG. 5) of theear-worn device may be restricted from movement due to the retainingledge, for example, the retaining ledge may retain the ear-worn devicein the nest of the cavity. Additionally, because the ear-worn device maybe restrained proximate the side opposite the user input device 512, forexample, due to magnets proximate the charging pins, any temporarydeformity of the cable of the ear-worn device may be eliminated. Forexample, temporary deformity due to continual wear by the user may beremoved and straightened out by time spent in the cavity 325 such thatthe ear-worn device may return to its desired flat shape. In otherwords, the retaining ledge may configure the ear-worn device in aposition that is consistent with a relaxed state of the ear-worn device.

Further, each of the first and second body portions 320, 340 may includean outer surface opposing the inner surface 322, 342, respectively. Adistance between the inner surfaces 322, 342 and the corresponding outersurfaces defines the depth of each of the first and second body portions320, 340, respectively. The depth of each of the first and second bodyportions 320, 340 may be larger than the width of the ear-worn devicecontained within the first or second body portion 320, 340. In otherwords, each of the first and second body portions 320, 340 may be deepenough such that the ear-worn devices may be contained therein withoutprotruding past the inner surface 322, 342. In some embodiments, thefirst and second body portions 320, 340 may define separate depths.However, as shown, the depths of the first and second body portions 320,340 are equal. Specifically, the depths of the first and second bodyportions 320, 340, for example, measured between the inner surfaces 322,342 and the outer surfaces are about greater than or equal to 0.1 inches(2.54 millimeters) and/or less than or equal to 1.5 inches (3.8centimeters).

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer surfaces 724, 644 of each of thefirst and second body portions 320, 340 may define an opening 740, 640extending through the outer surfaces 724, 644 to the first and secondcavities 325, 345, respectively. The openings 740, 640 are sized suchthat the ear-worn devices cannot pass through. In other words, theear-worn devices cannot fall out of the case 102 through the openings740, 640. Further, the openings 740, 640 provide a passageway throughthe outer surfaces 724, 644 such that debris may not become lodgedwithin the cavities 325, 345 and, thereby, may reduce the need for usercleaning and maintenance of the cavities 325, 345. Further yet, theear-worn devices may be visible to a user upon inspection of an exteriorof the case 102 when in the closed position, thereby assuring the userthat the ear-worn devices are positioned within the case 102 withouthaving to open the case 102. Additionally, the openings 740, 640 mayprovide the user a way to push the ear-worn devices out of the cavities325, 345 through the openings 740, 640 instead of pulling the ear-worndevices from proximate the inner surfaces 322, 342.

The first body portion 320 may define a top side 332, a hinge side 334,a bottom side 336, and a latch side 338. Similarly, the second bodyportion 340 may define a top side 352, a hinge side 354, a bottom side356, and a latch side 358. It is noted that FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate thetop sides 332, 352, the hinge sides 334, 354, the bottom sides 336, 356,and the latch sides 338, 358 extending between the inner surfaces 322,342 and the outer surfaces 724, 644, respectively. In some embodiments,the outer surfaces 724, 644 may be contoured to intersect the innersurfaces 322, 342 such that the top sides 332, 352, the hinge sides 334,354, the bottom sides 336, 356, and the latch sides 338, 358 areeffectively part of the outer surfaces 724, 644.

As shown in FIG. 7, the one or more hinges 360 may be coupled to each ofthe first and second body portions 320, 340 at the hinge sides 334, 354.On the latch sides 338, 358, the case may include a latch apparatus (notshown) for restricting the case 102 in the closed position. The latchapparatus may include any suitable components for restricting movementof the first body portion 320 relative to the second body portion 340 tomaintain the case 102 in the closed position. For example, the latchapparatus may include a magnetic clasp/closure, a fastener, a mechanicalclasp, a clasping element, a caring element, a spring latch, a togglelatch, a cam lock, a slam latch, etc. The latch apparatus may bepositioned on one or both of the first and second body portions 320, 340and may be adapted or configured to couple the first body portion 320and the second body portion 340.

In various embodiments, the case 102 may include a solar element 720 asshown in FIG. 7. The solar element 720 may collect solar rays to chargethe battery 302 located within the case 102. The solar element 720 maybe located on any suitable portion of the case 102, for example, thefirst body portion 320, the second body portion 340, etc. For example,as shown in FIG. 7, the solar element 720 is located on the outersurface 724 of the first body portion 320.

In various embodiments, the case 102 may include an inductive chargingelement (not shown). The inductive charging element may be used tocharge the battery 302 (e.g., using an inductive coil) located withinthe case 102. The inductive charging element may be located on anysuitable portion of the case 102, for example, the first body portion320, the second body portion 340, etc.

Additional examples of and details regarding a charging case for usewith the systems and methods described herein are shown in commonlyassigned, co-pending application U.S. PUB NO. 2019/0208342A1, titled,“HEARING DEVICE CASE INCLUDING CHARGER,” having reference numberST0752US1, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be notedthat the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or”unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the phrase “configured” describes a system, apparatus,or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform aparticular task or adopt a particular configuration.

The phrase “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similarphrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged,constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this specification areindicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention pertains. All publications and patent applications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated by reference.

As used herein, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints shallinclude all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 2 to 8 includes2.1, 2.8, 5.3, 7, etc.).

The headings used herein are provided for consistency with suggestionsunder 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. Theseheadings shall not be viewed to limit or characterize the invention(s)set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. As anexample, although the headings refer to a “Field,” such claims shouldnot be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe theso-called technical field. Further, a description of a technology in the“Background” is not an admission that technology is prior art to anyinvention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to beconsidered as a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issuedclaims.

The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and describedso that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand theprinciples and practices. As such, aspects have been described withreference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques.However, it should be understood that many variations and modificationsmay be made while remaining within the spirit and scope herein.

1. A hearing assistance system comprising: a first ear-worn device and asecond ear-worn device, wherein each of the ear-worn devices comprises:a speaker, a microphone, a processor, a non-transitory computer memory,a rechargeable battery, a charging contact, and a wireless communicationdevice; and a case comprising: a case battery, a case inertialmeasurement unit (IMU), a first case charging contact and a second casecharging contact, a case processor, and a case non-transitory computermemory, wherein the first ear-worn device is configured to be positionedwithin the case so that the charging contact of the first ear-worndevice is in electrical communication with the first case chargingcontact within the case, wherein the second ear-worn device isconfigured to be positioned within the case so that the charging contactof the second ear-worn device is in electrical communication with thesecond case charging contact within the case; and wherein one or more ofthe memories in the first ear-worn device, second ear-worn device, orcase stores computer instructions for instructing one or more of theprocessors in the first ear-worn device, second ear-worn device, or caseto perform: while the first and second ear-worn devices are positionedwithin the case, detecting a vibration sequence at the case IMU; anddeciding whether to pair the wireless communication devices of the firstand second ear-worn devices based on the vibration sequence detected atthe case IMU, and wherein the case comprises the case IMU when the firstand second ear-worn devices are not positioned in the case.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein: the memory of the case storing instructionsto input the vibration sequence detected at the case IMU to theprocessor of the first ear-worn device and to the processor of thesecond ear-worn device; the memory of each of the ear-worn devicesstoring instructions to: compare the vibration sequence detected at thecase IMU to an expected vibration sequence; and if the vibrationsequence detected at the case IMU sufficiently matches the expectedvibration sequence, pairing the wireless communication device of thefirst ear-worn device to the wireless communication device of the secondear-worn device.
 3. The system of claim 2, the memory of each of theear-worn devices storing instructions to receive the vibration sequencedetected at the case IMU via the charging contact.
 4. The system ofclaim 2, the memory of the case storing instructions to accept a userinput vibration sequence to define the expected vibration sequence andcommunicate the expected vibration sequence to the memory of theear-worn devices.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein one or more of thememories in the first ear-worn device, second ear-worn device, or casestores computer instructions for instructing one or more of theprocessors in the first ear-worn device, second ear-worn device, or caseto perform: pairing the first and second ear-worn devices; after pairingthe first and second ear-worn devices, lighting a positive indicatorlight on the case to indicate to a user that the first and secondear-worn devices are paired; and if the vibration sequence detected atthe case IMU does not sufficiently match the expected vibrationsequence, lighting a negative indicator light on the case to indicate tothe user that the first and second ear-worn devices are not paired. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the memory in the first ear-worn deviceand the memory in the second ear-worn device stores computerinstructions to perform: while the ear-worn devices are positioned inthe case, the ear-worn devices detecting an open/close sequencecomprising making an electrical connection in response to closing thecase and unmaking an electrical connection in response to opening thecase, wherein the open/close sequence is detected at the chargingcontact of the first ear-worn device and the charging contact of thesecond ear-worn device; and in response to detecting the open/closesequence, the first and second ear-worn devices entering a pairing mode.7. (canceled)
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a smart phonecomprising an IMU, a processor, a non-transitory computer memory, a userinput device, a wireless communication device, and a display device,wherein the memory of the smart phone stores computer instructions forinstructing the processor in the smart phone to perform: placing thesmart phone into a pairing mode; at a same time as the vibrationsequence is detected at the case IMU, detecting the vibration sequenceby the smart phone IMU; and based on the vibration sequence detected bythe smart phone IMU, deciding whether to pair the wireless communicationdevice of the smart phone with the wireless communication devices of thefirst and second ear-worn devices.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein thememory of the smart phone stores computer instructions for instructingthe processor in the smart phone to perform: inputting the vibrationsequence detected at the smart phone IMU to the processor of the smartphone; comparing the vibration sequence detected at the smart phone IMUto an expected vibration sequence; and if the vibration sequencedetected at the smart phone IMU sufficiently matches the expectedvibration sequence, pairing the wireless communication device of thesmart phone with the wireless communication devices of the first andsecond ear-worn devices.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the memoryof the smart phone stores computer instructions for instructing theprocessor in the smart phone to perform: if the vibration sequencedetected at the smart phone IMU does not sufficiently match the expectedvibration sequence, presenting a message to a user on a display deviceof the smart phone indicating that the smart phone has not been pairedto the first and second ear-worn devices.
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein the case IMU is configured to detect a vibration sequencegenerated by: placing the case on a hard surface, wherein the case is ina closed position and the first and second ear-worn devices are withinthe case; and after placing the case on the hard surface, generating thevibration sequence by knocking on a hard surface with the case laying onthe hard surface.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the vibrationsequence is generated by tapping the case on a hard surface, wherein thecase is in a closed position and the first and second ear-worn devicesare within the case.
 13. A method of pairing a first ear-worn device anda second ear-worn device, wherein each of the ear-worn devicescomprises: a speaker, a microphone, a processor, a non-transitorycomputer memory, a rechargeable battery, a charging contact, and awireless communication device, wherein the first ear-worn device isconfigured to be positioned within a case so that the charging contactof the first ear-worn device is in electrical communication with a firstcase charging contact within the case, wherein the second ear-worndevice is configured to be positioned within the case so that thecharging contact of the second ear-worn device is in electricalcommunication with a second case charging contact within the case,wherein the case comprises: a battery and a case inertial measurementunit (IMU); the method comprising: while the first and second ear-worndevices are positioned within the case, detecting a vibration sequenceat the case IMU after the first and second ear-worn devices enter apairing mode; and deciding whether to pair the wireless communicationdevices of the first and second ear-worn devices based on the vibrationsequence detected at the case IMU, and wherein the case comprises thecase IMU when the first and second ear-worn devices are not positionedin the case.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: inputtingthe vibration sequence detected at the case IMU to the processor of thefirst ear-worn device and to the processor of the second ear-worndevice; each of the ear-worn devices comparing the vibration sequencedetected at the case IMU to an expected vibration sequence; and if thevibration sequence detected at the case IMU sufficiently matches theexpected vibration sequence, pairing the wireless communication deviceof the first ear-worn device to the wireless communication device of thesecond ear-worn device.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprisingthe memory of each of the ear-worn devices receiving the vibrationsequence detected at the case IMU via the charging contact.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising the memory of the case receivinga user input vibration sequence to define the expected vibrationsequence and communicating the expected vibration sequence to the memoryof the ear-worn devices.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:after pairing the wireless communication devices of the first and secondear-worn devices, lighting a positive indicator light on the case toindicate to a user that the first and second ear-worn devices arepaired; and if the vibration sequence detected at the case IMU does notsufficiently match the expected vibration sequence, lighting a negativeindicator light on the case to indicate to the user that the first andsecond ear-worn devices are not paired.
 18. The method of claim 13,further comprising: while the ear-worn devices are positioned in thecase, the ear-worn devices detecting an open/close sequence comprisingmaking an electrical connection in response to closing the case andunmaking an electrical connection in response to opening the case; andin response to detecting the open/close sequence, the first and secondear-worn devices entering the pairing mode.
 19. The method of claim 13,further comprising pairing the first and second ear-worn devices with asmart phone, comprising: placing the smart phone into a pairing mode;detecting the vibration sequence by a smart phone IMU at a same time asthe vibration sequence is detected at the case IMU; and based on thevibration sequence detected by the smart phone IMU, a processor of thesmart phone deciding whether to pair a wireless communication device ofthe smart phone with the wireless communication devices of the first andsecond ear-worn devices.
 20. (canceled)
 21. The system of claim 1,wherein one or more of the memories in the first ear-worn device orsecond ear-worn device stores computer instructions for instructing oneor more of the processors in the first ear-worn device or secondear-worn device to perform the steps of detecting the vibration sequenceat the case IMU and deciding whether to pair the wireless communicationdevices of the first and second ear-worn devices based on the vibrationsequence detected at the case IMU.
 22. The system of claim 6, whereinthe open/close sequence comprises opening and closing the case threetimes.
 23. A hearing assistance system comprising: a first ear-worndevice and a second ear-worn device, wherein each of the ear-worndevices comprises: a speaker, a microphone, a processor, anon-transitory computer memory, a rechargeable battery, a chargingcontact, and a wireless communication device; and a case comprising: acase battery, a case inertial measurement unit (IMU), a first casecharging contact and a second case charging contact, a case processor,and a case non-transitory computer memory, wherein the first ear-worndevice is configured to be positioned within the case so that thecharging contact of the first ear-worn device is in electricalcommunication with the first case charging contact within the case,wherein the second ear-worn device is configured to be positioned withinthe case so that the charging contact of the second ear-worn device isin electrical communication with the second case charging contact withinthe case; and wherein one or more of the memories in the first ear-worndevice or second ear-worn device stores computer instructions forinstructing one or more of the processors in the first ear-worn device,second ear-worn device, or case to perform: while the first and secondear-worn devices are positioned within the case, detecting a vibrationsequence at the case IMU; and deciding whether to pair the wirelesscommunication devices of the first and second ear-worn devices based onthe vibration sequence detected at the case IMU.
 24. A hearingassistance system comprising: a first ear-worn device and a secondear-worn device, wherein each of the ear-worn devices comprises: aspeaker, a microphone, a processor, a non-transitory computer memory, arechargeable battery, a charging contact, and a wireless communicationdevice; and a case comprising: a case battery, a case inertialmeasurement unit (IMU), a first case charging contact and a second casecharging contact, a case processor, and a case non-transitory computermemory, wherein the first ear-worn device is configured to be positionedwithin the case so that the charging contact of the first ear-worndevice is in electrical communication with the first case chargingcontact within the case, wherein the second ear-worn device isconfigured to be positioned within the case so that the charging contactof the second ear-worn device is in electrical communication with thesecond case charging contact within the case; and wherein one or more ofthe memories in the first ear-worn device, second ear-worn device, orcase stores computer instructions for instructing one or more of theprocessors in the first ear-worn device, second ear-worn device, or caseto perform: while the first and second ear-worn devices are positionedwithin the case, detecting a vibration sequence at the case IMU; anddeciding whether to pair the wireless communication devices of the firstand second ear-worn devices based on the vibration sequence detected atthe case IMU wherein the memory in the first ear-worn device and thememory in the second ear-worn device stores computer instructions toperform: while the ear-worn devices are positioned in the case, theear-worn devices detecting an open/close sequence comprising opening andclosing the case three times and making an electrical connection inresponse to closing the case and unmaking an electrical connection inresponse to opening the case, wherein the open/close sequence isdetected at the charging contact of the first ear-worn device and thecharging contact of the second ear-worn device; and in response todetecting the open/close sequence, the first and second ear-worn devicesentering a pairing mode.